Reference no: EM133543971
Assignment:
The Era of Cheap and Plenty may be lending.
Read the article below.
· By Jeff Berman ·
Last week, global retail giant Walmart heralded its most recent initiative focused on e-commerce growth and supporting its supply chain network, with the opening of its new $220 million Ridgeville, South Carolina-based Import Distribution Center (IDC) located 35 miles northwest of Charleston.
The opening of the 3 million-square-foot IDC follows a July 2020 announcement, in which Walmart first stated its plans to build it, with Walmart and the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) saying, at the time, it was the culmination of an effort supported by the state, county, and local officials to strengthen Walmart's supply chain network.
Walmart officials said that the new IDC will store and sort imported goods arriving through the Port of Charleston, which is the eighth-largest port in the U.S., for delivery to 850 regional Walmart and Sam's Club locations throughout the Southeast, with the expectation that when the IDC is fully operational, it will increase the port's volume by around 5%.
"Walmart is the recognized leader in supply chain innovation and performance. Having this world-class company choose our market for their seventh import distribution center is the ultimate vote of confidence in SC Ports and South Carolina, further solidifying SC Ports as a leader in retail distribution," SC Ports CEO Jim Newsome said at the IDC's grand opening celebration on April 22. "Our strategic investments in port infrastructure enable SC Ports to support global retailers' supply chains. We are thrilled to partner with Walmart to further their growth and impact for years to come."
As for the benefits the new IDC will provide for Walmart customers, a company spokesman told LM that Walmart is always striving for ways to better serve its customers where and how they want to shop, including having a broad assortment of the goods its customers want to buy in-stock at its stores.
"The regional distribution center will support approximately 850 Walmart and Sam's Club stores across South Carolina and the Southeast," he said. "Locating the facility near the ports helps us continue to quickly move merchandise throughout our supply chain network."
When asked how Walmart previously handled Southeastern-bound imports before the establishment of the new IDC, he said Walmart leveraged its existing supply chain facilities, including its other six import distribution centers and its expansive network of regional distribution centers.
From a labor perspective, the IDC is expected to soon employ more than 1,300 local full-time associates (exceeding its original goal of 1,000) across various positions, including Administration and Clerical, Engineering, Freight Handler, and Management roles, among others.
Instructions
Read the scenario in the link above, research the discussion, and respond to the questions. Citations for your responses are mandatory.
Read the do not forget below. Think of the concepts of Supply and demand. Use your textbook. Make sure you read the directions above on what is expected in the discussion posts.
- How will Walmart be utilizing the Charleston port benefit, the South Carolina economy? Explain how.
- Does utilizing the east coast and Charleston port help the United States economy? Explain how.
Posting Directions: Make sure you read both articles with provided links. You need to write a answers and thoughts at 300-word essay, source citations, and two counter posts to two classmates.